- With Mayo Clinic obstetrician and medical editor-in-chief
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
"Nothing helps people stay healthy more than the power of real knowledge about health." — Dr. Roger Harms
As medical editor-in-chief, Dr. Roger Harms is excited about the potential for MayoClinic.com to help educate people about their health and provide them the tools and information to live healthier lives.
The Auburn, Neb., native has been with Mayo Clinic since 1981 and is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Harms is a consultant and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, and his specialty areas include office gynecology, high-risk obstetrics and obstetrical ultrasound.
From 2002 to 2007, Dr. Harms was director for education for Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dr. Harms was the 1988 Mayo Medical School Teacher of the Year and served as associate dean for student affairs and academic affairs before taking this leadership role. He is the co-author of the "Mayo Clinic Model of Education." In 2008, Dr. Harms was presented the Distinguished Educator Award, Mayo Clinic, Rochester.
Dr. Harms is vice chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and medical editor of the Pregnancy section on this Web site. In addition, Dr. Harms is editor-in-chief of the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book, a month-by-month guide to everything a woman needs to know about having a baby.
"My medical education experience has grown out of a love of teaching, and that is what this site is about," Dr. Harms says. "If any visitor to this site makes a more informed and thus more comfortable decision about his or her health because of the information we provide, we are successful."
More answers
- Pregnancy constipation: Are stool softeners safe?
- Fundal height: An accurate indicator of fetal growth?
- Rh factor in pregnancy: When is it a problem?
- Vaccines during pregnancy: Are they safe?
- Blighted ovum: What causes it?
- Molar pregnancy: What causes it?
- Breast-feeding while pregnant: Is it safe?
- Air travel during pregnancy: Is it safe?
- Chickenpox and pregnancy: What are the concerns?
- Aspirin during pregnancy: Is it safe?
- Allergy medications during pregnancy: Are they safe?
- Headaches during pregnancy: What can I do about them?
- Flu shot in pregnancy: Is it safe?
- Early miscarriage: Is stress a factor?
- Hemorrhoids during pregnancy: Are there safe treatments?
- Morning sickness: When is it a concern?
- Antibiotics and pregnancy
- Low amniotic fluid: Should I worry?
- Hair dye and pregnancy: A concern?
- Birth control pills: Harmful in early pregnancy?
- Exercise during pregnancy: Is heart rate a concern?
- Low birth weight: What does it mean?
- see all
Mayo Clinic Health Manager
Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.
Get Started
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Question
Ankle swelling during pregnancy: Is it a concern?
What causes ankle swelling during pregnancy? Should I be concerned about severe swelling?
Answer
from Roger W. Harms, M.D.
Foot and ankle swelling during pregnancy is common and almost always goes away after delivery. You may notice that it's worse at the end of the day or during hot weather.
So what causes foot and ankle swelling during pregnancy? Your body produces and retains more fluid during pregnancy. Also, your growing uterus puts pressure on the veins to your legs — especially in the later months of pregnancy. This impairs return of blood to the heart and causes more fluid to build up in your legs, ankles and feet. Standing for long periods can increase this pressure.
To manage or relieve leg swelling during pregnancy:
- Take breaks during the day when you can sit with your feet up. When possible, go a step further and lie down with your legs elevated for an hour in the middle of the afternoon.
- While sleeping, lie on your side or elevate your legs slightly with pillows.
- Don't cross your legs when you sit.
- Use a footrest when sitting.
- Avoid standing or sitting with your feet on the floor for long periods.
- Stay cool because heat can make the swelling worse.
- Swim, walk or even stand in a pool at least 4 feet deep. The buoyancy of the water helps lift the baby off your pelvis.
- Avoid tight clothing.
- Wear supportive, elastic hose; regular nylons won't help.
- Exercise regularly.
- Apply cold-water compresses on swollen areas.
Although mild foot and ankle swelling during pregnancy is normal, call or see your doctor promptly if you have:
- Severe or sudden swelling. This could be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia. Other signs and symptoms of preeclampsia include severe headaches, blurred vision and dizziness.
- Swelling in only one leg, especially if you have pain or tenderness in your calf or thigh. This could be a sign of a blood clot.
